Spitter gets 4 years for assault, other crimes

A St. John's man whose cascade of crimes included spitting at a journalist covering his escapades has been sent to prison.

Shawn Walbourne, 36, was given a four-year sentence on Thursday in St. John's provincial court.

Walbourne had pleaded guilty earlier this week to a range of charges, including assaulting a police officer and committing a string of break-and-enters. He also pleaded guilty to damaging property.

He attracted media attention after his arrest in February when he deliberately spit in the face of NTV videographer Bart Fraize, who was covering his appearance at provincial court. Walbourne has hepatitis C.